Trial date set for border agent accused of smuggling

PHOENIX — A new trial date has been set for a U.S. Border Patrol agent
accused of smuggling marijuana while on duty in southwestern Arizona.

Agent Aaron Anaya’s trial is set for May 7.

The 25-year-old Anaya has pleaded not guilty to marijuana importation and other
charges.

Authorities said agents conducting aerial surveillance saw Anaya loading
marijuana bundles that had been dropped over the border fence from Mexico into
his patrol vehicle on Dec. 2 in between Yuma and Wellton, about 185 miles
southwest of Phoenix.

Investigators said agents tracked Anaya for several hours as he appeared to
return to normal duties. They found nearly 147 pounds of marijuana in the vehicle.